The Plateau State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has voiced its disapproval of the recent inauguration of nine out of the 16 elected members of the State Assembly, labeling it as an undemocratic anomaly.
Rufus Bature, the state chairman of the party, condemned the inauguration, denouncing it as a violation of democratic principles.
Speaking to journalists after the ceremony at the Old Government House in Jos, Bature expressed shock at Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s decision to compel only nine APC lawmakers to participate in the swearing-in ceremony, citing it as a clear abuse of democratic norms.
The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Gabriel Dewan, administered the oath of office to nine APC lawmakers, leaving the remaining seven yet to be sworn in.
Bature insisted that all 16 APC lawmakers should be sworn in to ensure proper representation in the Assembly.
He also demanded the reinstatement of the 17 elected local government chairmen, emphasizing the Supreme Court’s ruling declaring their removal null and void.
Calling for adherence to democratic principles, Bature urged the Speaker and Governor Mutfwang to ensure the functioning of all democratic structures without hindrance.
In response, Speaker Gabriel Dewan defended the inauguration, stating that nine members had met the necessary criteria for swearing-in, and emphasized the importance of following due process.
